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The horseshoe-shaped (or D-shaped) tower is a compromise that gives the best of a round and a square tower. The semicircular side (the one facing the attacker) could resist siege engines, while the rectangular part at the back gives internal space and a large fighting platform on top. [ 1 ]
Greek siege tower first used in Rhodes. [5] Polybolos: 289 BC Greece: A siege engine with torsion mechanism, drawing its power from twisted sinew-bundles. Sambuca: 213 BC Sicily: Roman seaborne siege engine build on two ships. Siege hook: 189 BC Rome: A siege hook is a weapon used to pull stones from a wall during a siege.
A battlement, in defensive architecture, such as that of city walls or castles, comprises a parapet (a defensive low wall between chest-height and head-height), in which gaps or indentations, which are often rectangular, occur at intervals to allow for the launch of arrows or other projectiles from within the defences. [1]
A defensive wall is a fortification usually used to protect a city, town or other settlement from potential aggressors. The walls can range from simple palisades or earthworks to extensive military fortifications such as curtain walls with towers, bastions and gates for access to the city. [1]
There was a tower on top of the motte. In most cases, the tower was made of timber, though some were also made of stones. Stone towers were found in natural mounds, as artificial ones were not strong enough to support stone towers. Larger mottes had towers with many rooms, including the great hall. Smaller ones had only a watch tower.
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Siege tower: a wooden tower on wheels constructed to protect assailants and ladders while approaching the defensive walls of a fortification. Sortie (also "to sally (forth)"): a sudden attack against a besieging enemy from within a besieged fort or town. Surrender at discretion: unconditional surrender instead of surrendering with terms. Skirmish
Yett or iron-barred door at St Cuthbert's Church in Great Salkeld, Cumbria, guarding access to the tower. There are several medieval fortified churches near the Anglo-Scottish border , where defence was an important consideration until the 17th century, when England and Scotland were united in personal union under King James VI and I .